It’s a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone.
Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help.
Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder – would they be better off staying here forever?
Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

First Sentence: Nothing about this room is real.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.

My Review:

I bet by now, nearly everyone has heard of the famous well-known book titled These Broken Stars written by both Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner. I know I’ve heard of it ever since its gorgeous cover was revealed. From then on, These Broken Stars was definitely the most wanted book, especially when it made its appearance at BEA (Book Expo America for those of you who don’t know what BEA stands for). I sadly couldn’t get myself a copy of These Broken Stars at BEA because I wasn’t attending BEA the day Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner was signing, but I was so lucky to get an ARC of it from Disney Hyperion. Thank you so much for sending me an ARC of These Broken Stars in exchange for an honest review Disney Hyperion!

Lilac was probably the most annoying character I’ve ever read about – at first. I absolutely hated Lilac and her attitude at the beginning of These Broken Stars. She was stuck-up, whiney, and really annoying. (Seriously, you want to waste precious water so you can take a bath? Whaat?) I highly admired Tarver for managing to deal with her. If I was Tarver, I would have ditched Lilac a long time ago. (You do not want to know how many times I was urging him on to do exactly that. It’s basically too many times to count.) Thank goodness Lilac goes through some major character development and changes by the end of the book. (You guys should really see her epicness at the end! I can re-read that part over and over and over again without being tired of it.) That new Lilac is the Lilac I love. You should read These Broken Stars just to see the character development Lilac went through and to witness her epicness. (I honestly don’t care if “epicness” isn’t a word – it should be one.)

My friend would scarcely recognize me now, and the thought of filling my days with gossip and parties leaves me cold. The best six-course meal never tasted half so good as a shared ration bar after a long hike, washed down with mountain-fresh water. And while I wouldn’t say no to a hot bath, I’m warm enough at night, with Tarver there at my side. (ARC 228)

Tarver was the steady one in These Broken Stars, but at times, he just annoyed me. Tarver is just so practical. Every time he and Lilac had the opportunity to become closer, he pushes her away, but with annoying valid reasons like “we’ll never see each other again when we get back to our home planet” or things like “she likes me because I saved her life, but when we get back, her feelings will change.” Yeah, I get that Tarver does have a point, but sometimes, I just wanted him to forget all that and plunge in into the relationship you know? However, Tarver does fully give in into Lilac’s charms at the end, so thank goodness for that.

Overall, both Tarver and Lilac absolutely amazed me. If I was put in their position, I doubt I would last three days, never mind how long they lasted. Tarver had the knowledge and survival skills to live in the wild while Lilac had the stubbornness and the determination to survive. Together, they made such a great team, despite all the problems that was thrown in their way. If I ever get stuck in a planet, I want Tarver and Lilac to be right there with me, even though I’ll definitely be the awkward third-wheel tagging along with them.

I used to think that my name would always keep me safe. That those two words – Lilac LaRoux – would be the only password I needed no matter where I ended up. (ARC 108)

With a book that introduces us readers to a new planet (technically planets since Earth has drastically changed from the Earth we know as of today), I can not forget to mention how well-done the world-building is in These Broken Stars. Everything in the world was explained – how Icarus was able to travel so fast, how the new technology works, how there are life forms in planets that can’t sustain life, etc. These Broken Stars didn’t leave me with any questions on the world-building.

However, there is a minor problem I had with These Broken Stars: the romance. In the beginning of the book, I was cheering for both Tarver and Lilac to get together. They had the chemistry, the appeal, and the perfect how we met story to tell their kids. However, as I read on, I felt that their romance slowly fizzled out sometimes as they traveled more and more on the mysterious planet. I just didn’t really feel their romance until the very end where the epic ending comes in. When I got to near the end of the book, I felt Tarver and Lilac’s sweet romance again.

“You want to get out of here?”
She wraps her arms around my neck, lips tugging up in a smile once more. “Think we can outrun the cameras?” (ARC 372-373)

The ending of These Broken Stars was epic, probably one of the best book endings I’ve ever read. Like I’ve said many times already, I can re-read the ending of These Broken Stars over and over and over again. In fact, I probably did already. I can’t stress this enough – These Broken Stars has the perfect ending I’ve read in a long, long time. I’m so glad that the rest of the books in the Starbound series would be companion books to These Broken Stars because honestly guys, These Broken Stars ended perfectly. (I’ll stop talking about the ending there because I know I’ll just be repeating myself. But seriously, These Broken Stars is worth reading just to get to the ending. Just saying.)

The cover for These Broken Stars is so pretty! :D That may be one of the reasons for why I want to read the book but now another reason could be that you kind of convinced me :p I’m glad you thought the ending was perfect. There seems to be less than perfect endings in most books these days. Can’t wait to read this one! ^_^

I know, it’s gorgeous! I can just stare at the cover all day and admire that dress.
You’ll love the ending Hillary, it is totally, 100% EPIC. I literally can’t stop fangirling all over it.Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [61]

You’ll love the character development Lilac went through Jane! I can’t guarantee you’ll like her in the beginning, but I can guarantee you that you’ll LOVE (and even admire her) at the end! :DKelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [61]

Tho I am not happy about the lack of romance, I think this would be awesome to read. I agree, if someone is a nag in the most desperate times, i’ll probably do something horrible to them too :)Jules recently posted…Book Review: The Edge of Always by J.A Redmerski

I dunno Jules, it might just be me. Other people just LOVED the romance and cried when *that* event happened.
Ha ha, I wanted to punch Lilac, or at least slap her. She was just SO annoying.Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [62]

I loved this book: the cover is probably the best I’ve seen this year, and the story itself was great! I think you’re right about Lilac, too: at first, I wanted her to be left behind…but she works hard to learn and pull her own weight after a while, and I really enjoyed seeing that stronger side of her. (I love how Tarver calls her “my Lilac,” because he’s the only one that’s seen this new side of her personality.) Great review! :)Kelly recently posted…Review: These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

I love These Broken Stars’ cover, but I can’t say it’s the most gorgeous cover ever since I have A LOT of favorite covers and can’t choose between them. :P
Yeah, I love watching Lilac grow and become a better, less shallow person that I can actually like and cheer for. The new her is SO epic.
I know, that part was SO sweet! If only Tarver would say that to me. ;P
Thanks Kelly! I love your name by the way. ;DKelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [62]

hahaha hilarious review! I really enjoyed reading that :) I’ve heard so many amazing things about this one! Nara gave me her arc so I can’t wait to read it, I can’t STAND annoying characters though, very very low tolerance so thanks for the heads up. Will try my best to push through that beginning stage no matter the rage :PChantelle recently posted…Review: How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You by Tara Eglington

I’m glad I made you laugh Chantelle! ;D
Don’t worry, the beginning of the book is SO worth the read just to get to the end. You’ll rage at Lilac at first, but then cheer for her at the end.Kelly recently posted…Midwinter’s Eve Giveaway Hop

I am so excited to read this one! :D
I’m ashamed to admit I briefly skimmed your review, but that’s because I have an ARC of it waiting to be read on my shelf. So I’m kind of avoiding the reviews. I’m mostly just checking out the ratings, and other comments. Four stars is pretty good and I can get past annoying stuff if there is some epicness at the end! Now I’m even more excited to read it. The cover really is beautiful :DJoanna V recently posted…TOUR STOP AND GIVEAWAY: Clan by Realm Lovejoy

It’s okay if you skimmed by review Joanna, I totally understand.
And you’ll LOVE the ending of These Broken Stars, I bet you’ll totally fangirl all over it. ;D<3Kelly recently posted…Midwinter’s Eve Giveaway Hop

I can’t wait to read this one!!! I don’t usually read that many sci-fi books, but this one sounds really intriguing and judging by the cover, pretty romantic. I’m so happy that it has perfect ending, I’ve been pretty disappointed with the endings of some recent reads. Great review! :)

Okay, I have GOT to read this book. Might have to one click it for a nice snowed-in read this evening. ;) It’s helpful to know that the first impressions of the MC aren’t an exact picture of her character development. Thanks for such a detailed review!Sabrina recently posted…Clear Your Shelf Giveaway Hop!

I read this book because of Sasha Alsberg from abookutopia on YouTube and I thought it was an okay book. I wasn’t all that excited for the next one. But after reading your review on this, it’s making want to reread it and give the series another shot.A recently posted…KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN FOR WHAT’S COMING

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Effortlessly Reading sometimes receives ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) from publishers or authors in exchange for honest reviews. Please note that no compensation of any kind has been provided in exchange for a review. Any use and/or duplication of my material without any permission is strictly prohibited.